Byron Forest Preserve District Board met Sept. 17.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Commissioners present: Conry, Hogan, Ludwig, and Vincer.
Commissioners absent: Patterson.
Staff present: Brunner, Gerke, Henkel, Herman, McCammond, and Tucker.
Guests present: none.
The meeting was called to order at 7pm.
Director Tucker suggested deleting Agenda Items 14B and 14C, Executive Sessions 2(C)(5) and 2(C)(11). Ludwig Moved And Vincer Seconded A Motion To Approve The Agenda As Amended. Ludwig – Yes, Patterson – Absent, Vincer – Yes, Conry – Yes, And Hogan – Yes.
Conry Moved And Ludwig Seconded A Motion To Approve The Special Board Meeting Minutes, The Regular Board Meeting Minutes, And The Executive Session Minutes Of August 20, 2018. Patterson – Absent, Vincer – Yes, Conry – Yes, Ludwig – Yes, And Hogan – Yes.
The correspondence was noted and discussed briefly. Todd informed the board that Chris Remhoff called him to commend the Forest Preserve staff on assisting with setting up the Tiger 10-Miler Trail Race that was held at the District’s main site.
Ludwig Moved And Conry Seconded A Motion To Approve The Financial Report For August 2018. Vincer – Yes, Conry – Yes, Ludwig – Yes, Patterson – Absent, And Hogan – Yes.
President Hogan reported that invitations to the focus groups have been sent out. Meetings should be setup in October and November.
President Hogan reminded the board of the upcoming special board meetings scheduled for October 1, 2018, and October 10, 2018. He also reminded them of state conference coming up in January 2019.
President Hogan opened the floor to District Department Heads to present their Staff Reports. Todd Tucker, Administrative Services-7:11-7:15pm; Mark Herman, Education Services-7:15-7:21pm; Russell Brunner, Restoration/ Maintenance Department-7:21-7:29pm; and Matt Henkel, Golf Operations-7:29- 7:40pm.
Michelle informed the board that the Finance Manual should be ready to present at the October meeting.
The Jarrett Prairie Center lower level renovation project was discussed. Commissioner Ludwig stated that a decision on how to move forward will be based on the information from the bidding process; but, with the main floor renovations being so nice, there should be some renovation to the lower level. He suggested having a Plan A and a Plan B for budgeting purposes.
The board thanked the staff for their input that was received via email regarding renovating the lower level.
Commissioner Conry asked if it would be better to spend the $3M at the golf course or doing several other projects that would maintain buildings and grounds for a long period of time versus spending it on a basement renovation.
Director Tucker stated that $500k could be spent on renovating the basement and the remainder could be spent on other projects that need to be completed. He also stated that if $3M is being spent on one project, it should be spent at the golf course.
President Hogan stated that Exelon currently pays the largest portion of taxes received by the District. The board should be considering a revenue producing facility that will sustain itself and District operations if and/or when the Byron plant is shut down. The golf course was built for this purpose but needs other assistance in producing enough revenue to support itself and other operations.
Commissioner Ludwig questioned the status of the land swap that was done between the District and Basil Cascio. Where are the investors to build the hotel and banquet facility across from the golf course? The land is now for sale but still carries the stipulations included the contract for the land swap.
President Hogan stated that the District needs to be more vested in the community and maybe take the lead and first step in building a banquet facility.
Then, maybe the hotel investors along with other businesses will follow suit in providing other resources that the community needs.
Commissioner Vincer agreed that the community needs a banquet facility and the basement of the Jarrett Prairie Center needs some renovation. The District’s mission was discussed. A banquet facility at the golf course would be “Recreation” and renovating the lower level would be part of our “Education” mission. Director Tucker stated that building a new facility would be a better revenue producer than renovating the lower level.
Commissioner Vincer questioned what other options the District has to produce revenue? Renting property to local farmers was discussed briefly.
Vincer Moved And Ludwig Seconded A Motion At 8:15pm To Convene Into Executive Session Under Section 2(C)(1) Of The Open Meetings Act For The Purpose Of Discussion Of The Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, Or Dismissal Of Specific Employees Of The District Or Legal Counsel For The District, Including Hearing Testimony On A Complaint Lodged Against An Employee Of The District Or Against Legal Counsel For The District To Determine Its Validity. Conry – Yes, Ludwig – Yes, Patterson – Absent, Vincer – Yes, And Hogan – Yes.
Conry Moved And Vincer Seconded A Motion At 8:38pm To Come Out Of Executive Session. Ludwig – Yes, Patterson – Absent, Vincer – Yes, Conry – Yes, And Hogan – Yes.
Conry Moved And Vincer Seconded A Motion At 8:39pm To Adjourn The Meeting. Patterson – Absent, Vincer – Yes, Conry – Yes, Ludwig – Yes, And Hogan – Yes.
http://www.byronforestpreserve.com/minutes.aspx
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